Experiencing the Hunza Valley as a traveler feels like stepping into a fairytale, where every corner is breathtakingly beautiful. From the towering peaks of the Karakoram Range to the crystal-clear waters of the Hunza River, this region captivates the senses. The warm hospitality of the locals, along with their fascinating traditions and vibrant festivals, adds a unique charm to the journey, making Hunza Valley an unforgettable and enriching experience for any adventurer.
Hunza is one of the few places on Earth that is both stunningly beautiful and inspiringly peaceful, while also being easily accessible. Located around 600 kilometers from Islamabad, you can reach Hunza Valley via the Karakoram Highway. A summer high mountainous pass, the Babusar Top, was opened, featuring a beautifully paved road that reduces the travel time from Islamabad to Hunza by about four to five hours.
The views around Hunza are truly breathtaking, dominated by the majestic Rakaposhi. A raised platform known as DuiKar offers a spectacular play of sunlight in the early morning hours, as the rays dance over the mountain tops. To fully appreciate this view, one should ascend to Duikar before sunrise. Golden Peak is the first peak illuminated, followed by eight other peaks, each lighting up one by one—a sight worth witnessing.
Picturesque valleys and serves as a convenient starting point for visiting the highest metal-top pass in the world, the Khunjerab Top. Overall, Hunza is a must-see destination for any traveler.
In the extreme north of Pakistan, nestled in the heart of the Karakoram Range, lies the Skardu Valley, where nature has beautifully crafted a mesmerizing landscape. A visit to the various valleys of Skardu reveals breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, fast-flowing rivers, lush meadows, waterfalls, and springs. Skardu is a paradise for both nature lovers and adventure seekers, with majestic K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.
Skardu Valley is a stunning destination to relax after all the hikes and treks you completed during your Karakoram or Himalaya expedition. With its laid-back vibe, fantastic cafes, and breathtaking places to explore, all set against a beautiful landscape, your trip to Skardu will be a memorable experience.
Fairy Meadows is a popular trekking destination in Pakistan, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region at the base of Nanga Parbat, the 9th-highest peak. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of snow-capped Nanga Parbat Peak, lush green meadows, a reflection lake, a thrilling jeep track, and vibrant flowers. It is a popular spot for camping, hiking, and photography, providing a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Fairy Meadows is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas.
Kalam is a valley located 99 kilometers (62 miles) from Mingora in the northern upper reaches of the Swat Valley, along the bank of the Swat River in the KPK province of Pakistan. The Swat River originates here, formed by the confluence of two major tributaries: the Gabral River and the Ushu River.
This national park charges an entrance fee of $40 for foreigners, $1.50 for Pakistanis, and 30 cents for locals. It is situated on a long plateau at the foot of the Himalayas, approximately four thousand meters above sea level.
Visitors can easily spot the numerous marmots, but seeing bears is more challenging, as this requires arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon, which is often difficult to find. The dirt road that runs through the park is intentionally kept in poor condition to force visitors to drive at a slow pace.
When exiting the park, exercise caution because you descend two thousand meters within a few kilometers, which can potentially be harmful to your body.
Kashmir, often referred to as “paradise on earth,” has something to offer throughout the year. Neelum Valley, 100 kilometers from Muzaffarabad city, is the most beautiful place in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. In winter, the snow-capped mountains create a stunning landscape, while summer brings delightful weather. If you get a chance to visit this place, you will remember it forever.
Visiting Attabad Lake was an unforgettable experience! The vivid turquoise waters of the lake, set against the backdrop of the majestic Karakoram Mountains, make it a true paradise for nature lovers.
The serenity of the location is unmatched, and there are many activities to enjoy, like boating, jet skiing, and fishing. The locals are incredibly welcoming, and the nearby cafés offer delicious local food with breathtaking views.
Whether you are seeking adventure or want to relax and soak in natural beauty, Attabad Lake is a must-visit destination in Pakistan. Photographers have a dream and a soul-soothing escape at Attabad Lake.
Astore is a valley that stretches 120 km and covers an area of 5,000 square kilometers, located in the northern region of Pakistan, specifically in the Gilgit-Baltistan state. The valley lies on the eastern face of Nanga Parbat, a peak that rises to 8,125 meters and is referred to as the “Killer Mountain.” Known as the “Land of Pastures,”
Astore boasts a stunning landscape that features diverse geographic varieties and contrasts, providing adventurous travelers with countless trekking opportunities. Notable places to visit in the area include Deosai Plains, Rama Lake, Minimarg, and Rupal.
Nager Valley in Pakistan is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery, including iconic peaks like Rakaposhi and Diran. Rakaposhi, also known as Dumani (meaning “Mother of Mist” or “Mother of Clouds”), is the 27th highest mountain in the world. Travelers can enjoy stunning views of Rakaposhi from the Karakoram Highway, which is the highest paved road in the world.
As you travel along this remarkable highway, you’ll be captivated by the lush green meadows surrounding the Golden Peak. The next village you will encounter is Nagar Khas, celebrated for its tranquil village life, where you can observe numerous animals grazing in the fields. This beautiful valley is located just 16 kilometers from the famous Hunza Valley and is approximately 106 kilometers from Gilgit City, situated to the southwest of the district.
Baltit Fort is a 700-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is situated at the edge of a cliff, requiring visitors to climb up to reach it. Numerous stores and houses line both sides of the route, with people busy with their daily activities.
Built with bricks, mud, and wood painted red, the fort also serves as a museum, showcasing items that belong to the Mir of Hunza. From the fort, there is a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Hunza Valley, as well as spectacular views of Rakaposhi Peak in front and Ladyfinger Peak and Ultar Sar Peak behind. After exploring the fort, we began our descent toward the central area of Karimabad.
Basho Valley is a beautiful and tranquil destination located in Skardu, about 1.5 to 2 hours away by 4×4 vehicle, 40 km from Skardu City. The valley has recently gained popularity, with its stunning meadows and captivating videos garnering millions of views on social media, making it a must-visit location for travelers to Skardu.
This valley is renowned for its cool temperatures, lush green meadows, and serene environment. Popular attractions in Basho Valley include Basho Meadows, picturesque rivers, and dense pine forests. Although the road to Basho Valley can be rough, the breathtaking views along the way make the journey worthwhile. Many visitors come to immerse themselves in nature, capture photos, and engage in outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
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Chitral is a relatively broad valley that serves as a popular destination, particularly during the Shandur Festival. However, outside of this festival, especially in winter, it attracts very few visitors.
We visited Chitral in February with a large family group that included teenagers and women. We explored the renowned Kalash Valleys and attempted to reach the remote Qalqasht Meadows.
Chitral boasts wonderful traditions, as well as unique and delicious foods that remain unaffected by the internationalization and commercialization seen in other tourist areas. Despite living only a few hundred kilometers away, we had the opportunity to taste dishes we had never encountered before.
The city itself resembles other relatively large remote cities, being clean and convenient for walking. However, the true charm lies in the surrounding areas and the rich local culture. We highly recommend Chitral as a beautiful destination for people of all ages, not just during the festivals but throughout the year.
The daily “celebrations” at this India-Pakistan frontier point offer a truly unique experience. The prideful atmosphere on both sides was contagious. Encouraging calls from the crowd prompted everyone, including tourists, to join in, whether by screaming, chanting, or making synchronized gestures.
The impressive parade-like movements of the tall Pakistani Sikh soldiers, who marched defiantly towards the Indian side in their striking black attire, were particularly captivating. Although there were many more spectators on the Indian side compared to the Pakistani side, I must admit I was mesmerized by the events unfolding on “our” side.
The Lahore Fort is at the northern end of the walled city of Lahore and covers an area of more than 20 hectares. It features many notable monuments. The Alamgiri Gate, located at the western end of the fort, serves as the entrance and was constructed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1674.
An iconic sight within the fort is the Naulakha Pavilion, as well as the Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Palace of Mirrors. The Sheesh Mahal was reserved for the imperial family and their close aides. You can find Many other monuments from the Mughal era. Anyone visiting Lahore should not miss the Lahore Fort, where you can gain insight into the lifestyle of the Mughal emperors.
